Extension Program Coordinator (4-H) - University of Illinois Extension

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; Vienna (IL); On-site; USD 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Illinois Extension is seeking an Extension Program Coordinator (4-H) to promote and implement 4-H youth development programs across schools and communities in Illinois. The role emphasizes program planning, volunteer leadership, curriculum development, and strong community partnerships, with occasional evening and weekend work and travel within the state.

The coordinator will recruit and train volunteers, manage records in 4-HOnline/4-H Fair Entry, monitor program outcomes, produce

Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED.
• Four years (48 months) of experience coordinating educational or community programs.
• Volunteer or professional experience coordinating educational activities.
• College coursework in any field of study.
• 60–120 semester hours equivalent to 2–4 years.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate planning of educational activities with staff collaboration.
• Identify priority needs to be addressed through Extension 4-H youth programs.
• Evaluate program activities and recommend changes.
• Provide leadership to volunteers, 4-H members and families.
• Maintain administrative records including 4-HOnline and 4-H Fair Entry.
• Disseminate information from Extension professionals.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Multi-tasking

Education

High school diploma or GED

College coursework

Tools

4-HOnline

4-H Fair Entry

Job description

Extension Program Coordinator (4-H) - University of Illinois Extension

Extension - Unit 27, Alexander/Johnson/Massac/Pulaski/Union Counties

WE
TRANSFORM LIVES.
Everything we do is designed to improve the quality of life of the people in the state of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world. We discover, develop, translate, and disseminate knowledge to address societal concerns and train the next generation of experts and leaders in a way that empowers them to expand the boundaries of science to higher levels of understanding and influence.
Be a part of our story. Through learning partnerships that extend knowledge and change lives, University of Illinois Extension provides educational programs aimed at making life better, healthier, safer, and more profitable for individuals and their communities. Illinois Extension has operated continuously for more than 100 years connecting the citizens of Illinois to their land-grant university by providing educational programming around the state. University of Illinois Extension is based in the College of ACES and works with all colleges and units of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Job Summary

The Extension Program Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development supports the promotion, expansion, and implementation of University of Illinois Extension 4-H Youth Development Programs in the schools and communities.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Program Coordination and Development '
  • Coordinate the planning of educational activities for the program with collaboration from the 4-H Youth Development Educator or Specialist.
  • Identifies critical priority needs and issues, with the assistance of other staff, to be addressed through Extension 4-H youth programs, including under-served youth audiences.
  • Conduct evaluation of program activities and make appropriate changes or recommendation for continuation or discontinuation of the program.
  • Provide leadership, as primary contact, to volunteers, 4-H members and their families in support of local 4-H Clubs and their activities.
  • Provide leadership for the local Expansion and Review Committee.
  • Works with Unit staff, Extension volunteers, and Extension clientele to create and/or maintain administrative records including 4-HOnline and 4-H Fair Entry.
  • Disseminate education information provided by Extension professionals.
  • Maintain required records and data.
  • Provides monthly reports to the County Extension Director.
• Volunteer Recruitment, Training & Development
  • Recruit, screen and select adult 4-H volunteers.
  • Orient volunteers to the philosophy of the 4-H programs, risk management, policies, procedures, and materials.
  • Coordinate volunteer trainings related to program offerings and continuing educational opportunities.
  • Maintain contact with volunteers on a regular basis through meetings and correspondence, including email and phone.
  • Formulate and implement standard operating procedures for all program activities, to ensure the safety and welfare of all volunteers and participants.
• Marketing & Networking
  • Develop and implement a marketing plan and objectives to recruit adult volunteers and youth participants for 4-H opportunities.
  • Utilize a variety of promotion methods including, personal contacts, social media and printed materials.
  • Network and collaborate with other community organizations to assess needs and develop programs to meet those needs.
• Organizational Duties
  • Participates in professional development opportunities
  • Attends staff meetings as scheduled, and provides updates to Extension staff and Extension Council on accomplishments and activities.
  • Complies with Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity policies and guidelines in all aspects of University of Illinois Extension work.
  • Comply with all University of Illinois Extension and USDA policies and procedures in programs and employment.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

When working, the employee may be exposed to a variety of environmental factors to include, but not limited to, hot or cold weather, exposure to noise and allergens, and uneven ground. In performing the functions of this position, the employee may be subjected to various physical demands including ability to move, transfer and/or transport items that may occasionally weigh up to forty (40) pounds and frequently weigh up to twenty (20) pounds, and twisting, pushing and pulling movements.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

To perform the functions of this position, the employee will be required to perform work both within an office and outside in the communities that are served and must have the capability to travel from one location to the other in a timely fashion. Employee is responsible for securing personal transportation. Some work will be required during evenings and/or weekends.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED
• Any one or any combination that equals four (4) years/ 48 months of responsible volunteer or professional work experience in coordinating educational and/or community programs or activities
• Volunteer/work experience coordinating educational and/or community programs or activities
• College coursework in any field of study
• 60 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months)
• 90 semester hours equals three (3) years (36 months)
• 120 semester hours or more equals four (4) years (48 months)

Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and implement youth-focused educational programs. Working knowledge of youth development topics such as career readiness, leadership, health, volunteer management, natural resources, creative arts, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate, present, and engage youth audiences in educational settings.

Preferred Qualifications

Valid driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Skills in communicating and collaborating with all individuals and groups.
• Ability to work effectively with others individually and in groups.
• Ability to operate computer systems.
• Attention to detail and prioritize tasks. Ability to multi-task.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 0929 - Extension Program Coordinator position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible. Salary is $43,000.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 4, 2026.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - the state's flagship public university and one of the world's leading research institutions - every staff member helps shape what's next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you're empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence - where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. The University of Illinois must also comply with applicable federal export control laws and regulations and, as such, reserves the right to employ restricted party screening procedures for applicants.

Out-of-state candidates must establish Illinois residency within 180 calendar days of the start date for this position. Illinois residency requires proof of a valid Illinois Driver's License or state of Illinois ID Card. Failure to produce the required documentation within 180 calendar days will result in immediate termination of employment.

Sponsorship for work authorization is not available for this position.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans With Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal, or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or [e-mail].